A parent's worst nightmare is to leave their child in the care of someone they think they can trust, and then learn this person has harmed their child. Such was the case for George* and Marie*, and their four-year-old son, Michael*. George and Marie had left Michael in the care of a relative they thought they could trust. Michael had been burned over the majority of his body after being held down in the bathtub in scalding hot water. Because Michael's burn injuries were so severe, he had to be flown to a burn center in another city for appropriate medical care and treatment. Marie flew with Michael to the burn center where she has spent every waking minute by Michael's bedside to be with him while he went through painful treatments. The impact of this trauma on Michael was extremely severe, both physically and psychologically.
George and Marie struggled to make sense of what had happened. Parents often experience feelings of guilt, which can be overwhelming, and at times debilitating. In addition, George and Marie were already undergoing severe financial difficulties prior to this incident. As a result, George was unable to afford to travel to be with his wife and son. Michael cried for his father every day, their separation was excruciatingly difficult for all of them. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Center was able to provide George a hotel room so he could afford to travel and be with Michael and Marie during this difficult time. Nothing could be so crucial as ensuring Michael had both his parents with him to provide him with the emotional comfort and reassurance he will need in his physical and psychological recovery.
*Names and other identifying circumstances have been changed to protect the privacy of children and families.
A parent's worst nightmare is to leave their child in the care of someone they think they can trust, and then learn this person has harmed their child.
